When do you need a certified or notarised translation in Germany?
If your document is in a foreign language and needs to be submitted to official authorities in Germany, it must be translated into German by a sworn translator (bevollmächtigter Übersetzer).
In some cases, these translations must also be notarised, meaning a notary public must confirm the identity and signature of the translator.
Whether you need a certified or notarised translation depends on the type of document and the authority requesting it. Below are some of the most common scenarios where each is required.
When is a certified translation required?
- Immigration and visa applications: Foreign documents submitted to the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or police clearance certificates.
- Civil status documents: Birth, marriage, and death certificates used for registration at German civil registry offices (Standesamt).
- Academic applications: Transcripts, diplomas, and degree certificates required by German universities or qualification recognition bodies.
- Driver’s licence conversion: Official translation of a foreign driving licence when applying for a German one.
- Court and legal proceedings: Contracts, affidavits, or evidence submitted to German courts.
When do you need a notarised translation?
You’ll need notarisation of your documents when the translator’s identity or signature must be verified, not the content of the translation itself. This often applies to:
- Business incorporation documents submitted to a notary or Handelsregister (commercial register).
- Power of attorney or other legal declarations.
- Certain foreign public documents used in cross-border legal matters.
Always confirm with the requesting authority whether notarisation is necessary. Many authorities only require a certified translation.
What are certified translations in Germany?
A certified translation in Germany is an official translation completed by a sworn translator (beeidigter Übersetzer). A sworn translator is a translator who has been authorised by a German court to provide translations. These document translations are legally recognised and widely accepted by public authorities, courts, universities, and other institutions.
For a translation to be recognised as certified in Germany, it must include the following elements:
- Translator’s stamp and signature: The translator must affix their official seal or stamp, which includes their name, language pair, and contact details.
- Certification statement: It must include a declaration of accuracy and completeness, often written as: “This is a true and complete translation of the original document.”
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What are notarised translations in Germany?
While certified translations are often enough for most official purposes, some situations in Germany require an additional level of verification, notarisation.
However, it's important to understand that notarisation in Germany does not verify the content of the translation, but rather the translator’s signature and identity.
In the German legal system, notarisation (Beglaubigung) is carried out by a Notar (notary public), a specially authorised legal professional. They do not assess whether the translation is accurate or complete. Instead, they confirm that:
- The translation was completed by a specific person (the translator), and
- That person signed a declaration of authenticity in front of them.
After this, a notarial certificate is attached to the translation, confirming the translator’s identity, not the translation itself.
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Types of Documents That Require Translation and Notarisation
Several documents may require translation and notarisation for them to be recognised in Germany or for German documents to be used abroad. They include;
For example, imagine you've been offered a fantastic job opportunity in Berlin, and you're moving from a non-German-speaking country. Your new employer requires your academic records, a police clearance certificate, and your employment history to finalise your work permit. Each of these documents, originally in English, must be translated into German and, for some, notarised to ensure they are legally recognised. This process validates your qualifications and background, allowing you to start your new chapter in Germany smoothly.
Step-by-step guide: How to translate and notarise a document in Germany
Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth process.
Step 1: Identify the requesting authority
Before starting, find out which institution or authority is asking for the document. Examples include the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), universities, civil registry, or courts. Each authority may have different requirements, so it’s best to find out early.
Step 2: Check if you need certification or notarisation
Determine whether the authority requires a certified translation only or a certified and notarised translation. If unsure, it’s always safer to ask directly or check their official website.
Step 3: Find a sworn translator
You need a sworn translator to produce a certified translation that is accepted in Germany. Luckily, Translayte offers sworn translations in Germany with a 100% guaranteed acceptance rate. You can request a free quote to get started.
Step 4: Submit your documents
Most translators accept clear scans or PDFs of your original documents. For notarisation, you may need to present original documents in person at the notary’s office.
Step 5: Receive your certified translation
The translator will send you the certified version, either as a hard copy by post or digitally with a scanned stamp and signature, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Get notarisation
If a notarised translation is needed:
- Book an appointment with a notary (Notar) in your region.
- Bring the certified translation, original document, and ID.
- The notary will confirm the translator’s identity and signature and attach a notarial certificate.
Translayte also offers notarisation services alongside certified translations. We handle everything for you so you don’t have to stress about the process.
Step 7: Submit your documents
Once you have the certified and/or notarised translation, you can submit it to the requesting authority, either digitally or in hard copy, as instructed.
Costs of certified and notarised translations in Germany
The cost of certified translations typically starts at $31.75 per page or $0.10 per word, depending on the language pair, document type, and complexity.
Notarisation costs, on the other hand, start from $10 to $100 depending on the region and notary rates.
Note that some notaries may charge more if additional administrative steps are required or if documents need to be further legalized (e.g., with an apostille).
Do you always need notarisation?
The short answer is: no, notarisation is not always required. In fact, most authorities in Germany accept certified translations alone, especially when they are completed by a sworn translator appointed by a German court.
German authorities already recognise the legal validity of sworn translators’ work. Their certification includes a statement of accuracy, official stamp, and signature, which is often sufficient on its own.
Before requesting notarisation, check the exact requirements with the relevant authorities to avoid extra costs or unnecessary delays.
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